Three North East firms among UK's top 100 fastest growing companies

A superfoods firm, a clothing company and a software specialist from the North East are among the 100 fastest growing private companies in the UK, according to a new list.

The annual Sunday Times 100 highlights and celebrates Britain’s 100 leading entrepreneurial businesses, while also showcasing the founders behind the dynamic companies. The third list to be published shows that Rheal, the Sunderland food supplement brand, is the North East’s fastest-growing private company as well as the third fastest in the whole of the UK.

The regional list also includes Byker software firm Opencast at number 75, and Cramlington clothing company Disturbia at number 86. Rheal founders Charlotte and Sean Ali said they were delighted to score so highly on the list, having seen annual growth of 243% over the last three years, taking turnover to £19.8m in its latest full year results.

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The pair were still students when they discovered that natural “superfoods” improved Charlotte’s low energy levels when she was diagnosed with coeliac disease. In 2017 they started with two products - Clean Greens and Berry Beauty – and they now sell powders and protein bars online and in national retailers.

The Sunday Times listing comes a week after Rheal featured at number seven on the list of Britain’s fastest-growing, founder-led private companies in the FEBE Growth 100 2024.

Mr Ali said: “We’re honestly super proud of this achievement. To be listed as the third fastest growing business in the whole of the UK by The Sunday Times is incredible. It’s an honour that Rheal is now part of an incredible alumni of brands to make the top of the list such as Gymshark & Brewdo - its a surreal moment.

“The Rheal brand continues to go from strength to strength which is testament to the hard work and determination of our team. We’ve created a brand from a genuine desire to do good for people and the planet, which consumers love and trust. We feel that Rheal has the potential to become a global market leader.”

Independent technology consultancy Opencast was founded in Newcastle in 2012 and has grown to nearly 500 people. It recently expanded its head office at Hoults Yard and has city offices including London, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Chief executive Tom Lawson, a Harvard Business School graduate who has led Opencast since 2020, said: “To be ranked at 75 in this prestigious list is a reflection of our rapid growth and expansion from our North East base to become a UK-wide business. Over the past three years we’ve been able to report an average growth rate of 76.25%. Over the past year we have scaled rapidly, with revenues up from £37m to £50m. This year we’re growing further, targeting revenues of at least £60m. Our work with clients in Government and business focuses on improving their digital experience and operational performance, supporting critical systems and services used by millions of people.

“Our success is not just about our revenue and people numbers. It also lies in the impact of our work on our people, our clients and wider society.”

Meanwhile, Disturbia, an alternative clothing and accessories brand based in Cramlington, makes it into the list at 84 having seen growth of 69.67% over the last three years. The business manufactures its products overseas and dispatches them from two warehousing and distribution facilities, in Northampton, UK, and Ohio in the US. It now turns over £18.5m.

Director Francis Major, who founded the business in 2003 with Helen Major, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have made the 2024 Sunday Times list of the fastest-growing businesses. This achievement, especially in a challenging market climate, is a testament to the dedication of our outstanding team and the loyalty of our exceptional customers at Disturbia. After 21 years, it feels like we’re just getting started, with many incredibly exciting plans for the future.”

The research for The Sunday Times 100 found that the top 100 fastest-growing companies have increased their sales by an average of 118% a year over the last three years to a combined £2.9bn in sales. In total the companies employ 13,670 people, having created 10,000 new jobs in the last three years, with 99 of them planning further hires in the next 12 months.

Jim Armitage, business editor of The Sunday Times said: “Our politicians talk about how they will deliver economic growth, but it is the graft of entrepreneurs who achieve it. Their remarkable resilience in difficult economic conditions shows what is possible with vision and hard work.”